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Human Evolutionary Psychology

Human Evolutionary Psychology

by Louise Barrett (Author), Louise Barrett (Author), Robin Dunbar (Contributor), John Lycett (Contributor)

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    Paperback 2001

    $5.83

  • New

    Paperback 2001

    $91.59
Synopsis

Other people and their behaviour are a subject of endless fascination for us. Our understanding of why we behave in certain ways can be greatly enhanced if we take an evolutionary perspective. Understanding the evolutionary pressures that have shaped human behaviour can give us a new insight into why we prefer a good gossip to a lengthy session of algebra, or why children are so good at learning language and so poor at sharing nicely with others.

Human Evolutionary Psychology offers a comprehensive overview of all aspects of human evolutionary behaviour and psychology. Tackling everything from mate choice to marriage patterns, childcare to cultural evolution, Human Evolutionary Psychology critically assesses the value of evolutionary explanations to humans in both modern western society and traditional pre-industrial societies. The combination of broad scope and in-depth analysis makes it the ideal introduction to this exciting and rapidly expanding area of research.

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More Information

Format: Paperback
 Pages: 452
 Edition: 2001 ed.
 Publisher: Red Globe Press
Published: 26 Nov 2001
ISBN 10: 0333725581
ISBN 13: 9780333725580
Book Overview: 'This is more than a much needed comprehensive introductory text to the area. It is an antidote to the erroneous view that evolutionary approaches to human psychology and action is some monolithic view focussed solely upon the concept of adaptation and reproductive success. As this book shows, it is many things, including the study of the causal powers and origins of human culture. If this book has a single message, it is long live pluralism.' - Henry Plotkin, Professor of Psychobiology, University College London. 'A monumental work. Buy it for the bibliography list. Read it for the pleasure of seeing a powerful new field making the transition to maturity.' - Randolph Nesse, M.D., Director, Evolution and Human Adaptation Program, University of Michigan and coauthor (with George Williams) of Why We Get Sick 'This is an impressive review of the literature on the evolution of human behaviour, including human evolutionary ecology and psychology. It will be a useful teaching resource, and there is nothing quite like it currently available.' - Ruth Mace, University College London 'This well-written and balanced textbook presents the complexity of the debate over evolutionary psychology. A valuable addition to the teaching resources for the growing area of evolutionary psychology, it provides the foundational information that allows students to confront the primary source material.' - Steven Scher, Eastern Illinois University

Media Reviews
'This is more than a much needed comprehensive introductory text to the area. It is an antidote to the erroneous view that evolutionary approaches to human psychology and action is some monolithic view focussed solely upon the concept of adaptation and reproductive success. As this book shows, it is many things, including the study of the causal powers and origins of human culture. If this book has a single message, it is long live pluralism.' - Henry Plotkin, Professor of Psychobiology, University College London. 'A monumental work. Buy it for the bibliography list. Read it for the pleasure of seeing a powerful new field making the transition to maturity.' - Randolph Nesse, M.D., Director, Evolution and Human Adaptation Program, University of Michigan and coauthor (with George Williams) of Why We Get Sick 'This is an impressive review of the literature on the evolution of human behaviour, including human evolutionary ecology and psychology. It will be a useful teaching resource, and there is nothing quite like it currently available.' - Ruth Mace, University College London 'This well-written and balanced textbook presents the complexity of the debate over evolutionary psychology. A valuable addition to the teaching resources for the growing area of evolutionary psychology, it provides the foundational information that allows students to confront the primary source material.' - Steven Scher, Eastern Illinois University
Author Bio
ROBIN DUNBAR is Professor of Evolutionary Psychology at the University of Liverpool (previously Professor of Biological Anthropology at University College, London). He is the author of 9 books and 103 articles for, among others, Nature and New Scientist.

LOUISE BARRETT is Lecturer in Evolutionary Psychology and Behavioural Ecology at the University of Liverpool. Her research interests lie in the evolution of cognition and the socioecology of human and non-human primates and she is co-director of the De Hoop Baboon Project in South Africa.

JOHN LYCETT is Lecturer in Evolutionary Psychology at the University of Liverpool. His current research interests are in human reproductive decision making and parental investment decisions.